Model History

The 205 GTI had everything when new – sharp handling, light weight for added chuckability, and an unburstable engine that sings the more you rev it.

Ever since the first 1.6-litre 205 GTI went on sale in April 1984, the eulogies to the car have appeared thick and fast. With 105hp on tap from its all-alloy 1580cc four-pot, superb handling, and reasonable build quality, the 205 GTI soon became a favourite with the motoring press and car buyers alike. Sometimes owners got a bit carried away and overcooked it on the bends, sometimes those who pranged the car had ‘borrowed' it without asking, but everyone who drove it reckoned the little Pug was one of the best drives available, at any money.

In 1985 Peugeot's barking mad 205 T16 rally car won the World Rally Championship, and in 1986 the convertible 205 GTI went on sale, neatly badged the CTI. Peugeot were on the crest of a wave with their small hatch.

Things got even more fun – and more easily out of shape – when the 1.9-litre car arrived in January 1987 with 130hp and disc brakes all round. So that it wasn't overshadowed by its bigger brother, tweaks to the cylinder head and camshaft in 1987 meant power for the 1.6-litre car rose to 115hp.

Exterior

From the day of purchase this example was carefully stored by the original owner until 2012. Since then, the car has had just two further keepers who have also kept it garaged thus preserving its amazing condition. The result is a car that's 30 years old but still looks incredibly clean and sharp, almost as new.

The Alpine White paintwork is in superb original condition and virtually unmarked throughout. The plastic trim and badging also remain in excellent order without any damage or fading to note. All the windows are original Peugeot and are still stamped with the registration number as confirmation. This is a true collector’s piece!

Interior

Opening the door of the 205 you are greeted by an interior space that looks fresh and completely in line with the low mileage of 5k. With the exception of a small amount of the usual wrinkling to the driver’s bolster, the cabin is in perfect order throughout. The switchgear still displays an unworn texture and operates exactly as it should. Commonly worn items such as the steering wheel and gear knob are without wear, and pleasingly the original Philips cassette player remains in place (the operating instruction booklet is also present). The parcel shelf is free from any unsightly speakers or holes as is so common with this era of GTIs.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine bay is wonderfully clean and tidy with absolutely no signs of any damage or poor repair to be found. There is no corrosion to any of the inner panels and the Alpine White paint has not suffered any deterioration. All the ancillaries still appear in great shape, and with just 5k miles on the clock the engine is barely run in. Most recently the car received an oil service at 5,717 miles in 2017. It will come with a fresh oil change upon sale.

The five-speed manual gearbox is a joy to operate. Upon test this example feels as tight and together as a new GTI would have felt from the factory in 1988. This is without a doubt the finest 205 we have ever had the pleasure of driving at 4 Star; a truly “time warp” driving experience.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The original 15-inch Speedline alloys amazingly still remain in their factory coat of paint. The wheels are wrapped in a matching set of Pirelli Cinturato P7 tyres, date stamped 2015. All tyres have ample tread remaining having covered just 80 miles since fitment. Less than 250 miles ago the brake servo was replaced and a brake fluid flush was carried out.

History File

The 205 was first registered in November 1988 and was supplied new by Anglia Garage, a Peugeot and Talbot main dealer. This particular 1.9 GTI has a wonderful back story, authenticated with an original newspaper article and photos.

In 1988 Mrs Couszins was lucky enough to win this very example in a nationwide competition organised by a huge mail order company; the Peugeot was worth £10,000 at the time. Mrs Couszins’ name was drawn out of the hat in the Grattons contest but unfortunately for her she could not drive! And so her husband Donald collected the gleaming F reg Peugeot. He was presented with the keys for the vehicle at Anglia Garage in Derby Road by general manager John Logan (photos of the handover are present within the history file).

Mr and Mrs Couszins owned the 205 GTI until 2012, covering just 5,200 miles in their 24 years of ownership. The second keeper was a 205 collector who acquired the vehicle in 2012, and the current keeper purchased it back in 2017.

Within the History File you will find the original Peugeot document pack, owners manuals, the service booklet, old registration documents, the newspaper article and original photos, almost all MOT certificates verifying the low mileage, and various invoices for replacement parts and servicing.

Whilst Petrol Face Ltd. ("we") attempt to make sure that the information contained in this website is accurate and complete, we are aware that some errors and omissions may occur from time to time. We are not able therefore, to guarantee the accuracy of that information and cannot accept liability for loss or damage arising from misleading information or for any reliance on which you may place on the information contained in this website. We highly recommend that you examine the vehicle to check the accuracy of the information supplied. If you have any queries with regard to any information on our website, please contact us at sales@4starclassics.com. This disclaimer does not affect your statutory rights.